May 26 – The international players’ union, Fifpro, has criticised the decision by FIFA’s ethics committee not to punish an Argentinian women’s football coach accused of alleged sexual harassment and abusive behaviour.
Five players testified against Diego Guacci, a FIFA-appointed technical expert, but after a two-year investigation a panel of three male judges, including FIFA’s chief ethics adjudicator Vassilios Skouris, concluded “the evidence on file is insufficient to corroborate, to its comfortable satisfaction, the players’ account of the events”.
They did note, however that their verdict did not mean the “reported facts” did not occur.
In a statement Fifpro said the verdict raises “extremely serious questions about how professional football keeps players safe”.
“The players were extremely brave to challenge the coach’s conduct and contribute towards making football a safer and more inclusive environment for their peers,” Fifpro said.
“The decision by the FIFA ethics committee raises questions about how much evidence is needed for disciplinary action and will deter other players from standing up against the perpetrators of harassment and abuse.”
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